The best walks and hikes around Littleton

Yes, there are several options for hiking with your dog. For a dedicated off-leash experience, the Chatfield Dog Off-Leash Trail loop in Chatfield State Park is a popular choice. For on-leash hiking, many parks like Deer Creek Canyon Park and South Valley Park welcome dogs. However, be aware that dogs are not permitted in Waterton Canyon to protect the bighorn sheep population.

The Littleton area has many accessible trails perfect for a family outing or a gentle start. The Ketring Lake loop is a very short, flat walk around a lake. For a slightly longer but still easy walk, the paved Mary Carter Greenway Trail along the South Platte River is excellent and suitable for strollers.

For a strenuous hike with significant elevation gain, head to Deer Creek Canyon Park. It's known for its steep and rocky trails that reward hikers with great views. The park offers several routes that climb to the summits of Plymouth Mountain and Bill Couch Mountain, providing a serious workout.

The most spectacular red-rock formations are found at Roxborough State Park, a National Natural Landmark. The park features several trails that wind through and overlook the dramatic, tilted sandstone fins. It's a highly regarded spot for its unique geology and scenery.

There is a wide variety of trails to explore, with over 70 hiking routes available on Komoot. These range from 44 easy walks suitable for all ages to 24 moderate trails and 3 difficult hikes for those seeking a challenge.

The hiking routes around Littleton are highly rated by the Komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 out of 5 stars. Hikers often praise the diversity of the landscape, from the serene riverside paths of the South Platte to the stunning geological wonders in the nearby state parks.

Yes, many trails are designed as loops. A great moderate option is the Hildebrand Ranch Park to Hogback Hill Park loop, which offers a satisfying circuit with some elevation change. Many parks, including Roxborough and Chatfield, also feature well-marked loop trails.

Waterton Canyon is an exceptional destination for wildlife viewing, famous for its large herd of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. You might also spot mule deer and numerous bird species. South Platte Park is another excellent choice, particularly for birdwatching in its riparian and grassland habitats.

The Mary Carter Greenway Trail is an excellent choice. It's a paved, multi-use path that runs alongside the South Platte River, offering beautiful views and a smooth surface. Parts of the 71-mile High Line Canal Trail are also paved and accessible.

The scenery is incredibly diverse. You can experience tranquil riverside walks along the South Platte River, explore the vast open spaces and reservoir views at Chatfield State Park, or immerse yourself in the dramatic, 300-million-year-old red sandstone formations of Roxborough State Park. For more rugged mountain terrain, the canyons and peaks of Deer Creek Canyon Park offer a different kind of beauty.

If you're prepared for a long and demanding day, the Plymouth Mountain via Black Bear Trail is one of the toughest hikes in the area. This nearly 17.4-mile (28 km) route involves considerable elevation gain and takes over 8 hours to complete, offering a true challenge for experienced hikers.